ATHOL, Mass. -- Alliance Energy LLC has pulled a "relaxation brownie" product off the shelves of 120 gas stations and convenience stores after the Athol, Mass.-based North Quabbin Patch Grandparent Support Group and State Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D) sent a letter to the company raising their concerns about the sale of what they concede is a legal product.
Kush Cakes, a dietary supplement exclusively distributed by Vapor Rush LLC, are 100% natural and were formulated by a licensed pharmacist, the company said in a press release. They are designed to be delicious, healthy and relaxing to consumers to combat everyday stress. They are made from 100% natural and healthy ingredients. The chocolate-filled brownies are infused with a proprietary calming blend of valerian root, melatonin and rose hips chamomile. This legal and effective blend of calming herbs gives consumers a calming effect that may help to battle a variety of stress-induced symptoms including trouble sleeping, anxiety and nervous tendencies, said the company.
Because of their counter-culture packaging and marketing, Kush Cakes have struck a nerve with parents and public safety officials concerned that the product, although entirely legal, mimics the properties of marijuana, said a report by The Republican.
After spotting the product on sale at a Mike's Market store near Athol High School, the grandparents group took action--first checking out the brownie's manufacture and chemical makeup, then sampling the product itself. The group then approached Brewer.
The store, located near a school, had the product on display near the cash register where it was easily accessible for customers of any age. The group was further alarmed at the warnings displayed on the product, including: "adult use only, do not operate vehicles or heavy machinery, do not consume more than one serving daily, consult a physician if you are taking prescription medications and even a caution for pregnant or nursing women to consult a physician."
Although Kush Cakes are currently legal in all 50 states, Brewer agreed with the group that something needed to be done. After further research into the product, Brewer in a letter called on Alliance Energy, owner of Mr. Mike's Market, to remove or relocate the product to a place less accessible to community youth.
Waltham, Mass.-based Alliance followed up with a letter to Brewer and the North Quabbin Patch Grandparent's Support Group stating that although "there are no reported health risks of any kind, there is a 'moral dilemma' that occurs particularly in regards to the packing of this particular item." Subsequently, Alliance agreed to cease the sale of Kush Cakes at all of its stores chain-wide, located in western Massachusetts and Connecticut, according to a statement issued by Brewer.
In an effort to govern the sale and placement of Kush Cakes and other similar products in stores, Brewer said that he is working with the Retailers Association of Massachusetts and the Department of Public Health to explore the possibility of a future piece of legislation that could permanently restrict access by children of products that imitate legal or illegal candy or dessert products and are marketed as having a real or perceived physiological affect on the individual once consumed.
Neither Los Angeles-based Kush Cakes, nor its distributor, Vapor Rush LLC, could be reached for comment, said The Republican.
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